For many people in the adoption world, “adoption” programs such as adopt-a-school and adopt-a-road campaigns minimize what adoption is and makes the process seem simplistic. However, for adopted kids, toys that have an adoption aspect to them can be positive gifts that open up conversations about the unique way children joined their families.
Adopted Stuffed Animals and Dolls
Appropriate for both boys and girls ages three and up, these toys give children the opportunity to use their imaginations while caring for an adopted animal or baby. For children asking questions about adoption, these stuffed animals and dolls give parents a starting point for discussions about the child’s own adoption. For example, parents could show the child their adoption certificate, talk about the origins of their name and discuss what life was like for the child before being adopted. Some popular toys include:
- Rescue Pets – Stray animals that interact with children by walking and swimming by remote control ($24.99 - $39.99)
- WowWee Alive Sleeping Cuties – Interactive pets that “sleep” ($24.00)
- Perfect Petzzz – Lifelike, sleeping pets that “breathe” ($35.99)
- Cabbage Patch Kids – Varying sizes of dolls representing many cultural groups ($10.99 and up)
- FurReal Pets – Interactive animals that vary in size and children can create adoption certificates ($11.99 and up)
- Webkinz – Stuffed animals that children can play with virtually and adopt on-line ($11.99 - $19.99)
Stuffed animals and dolls that have been adopted are also great toys for parents to use if they are doing play therapy with their children or if there are adoption issues that can be worked out through role play.
Adopt-an-Animal Sponsorship Programs
Sometimes called sponsorship programs, symbolic adoptions help to fund programs that work to protect endangered animals. These thoughtful gifts are appropriate for kids who are older and understand that the gift is focused on helping an animal in need.
- World Wildlife Federation (WWF) – for donations starting at $25 children will receive a picture, species information card and an adoption certificate of one of over 100 species of animals. For donations $50+, children will received a stuff animal version of the animal that was adopted on their behalf.
- Oceana – starting with donations of $25 children will receive either a cookie cutter or one of eight plush marine animals with an adoption certificate. Donations support projects focused on ocean conservation.
Many local zoos and wildlife centres also offer animal sponsorship programs, where children may receive species information cards, buttons, stickers or small toys.
When giving adopted children a gift that comes with an adoption certificate or is symbolically adopted, it is very important to talk to the kids about it. The conversation that takes place around the gift could become even more important than the gift itself in the years to come. For other gift ideas for adopted kids read Adoption Gifts for Adopted Kids and International Adoption Books for School-Age Kids.
Angela Krueger - As an adoptive parent and PRIDE adoption trainer, Angela uses her insights to help others on their adoption journey.
